Ultrasound Needle Guidance for In-View Angle and Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures face challenges in accurately routing needles to target locations within the body due to difficulties in maintaining needle positioning within the narrow field of view of ultrasound imaging, leading to procedural delays and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A needle guidance system that includes an attachment mechanism for imaging devices like ultrasound probes, with a guidance mechanism that allows the needle to be guided at optimal angles and depths while remaining within the field of view, featuring adjustable and removable components with visual, auditory, and tactile feedback for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound imaging is used to guide needle puncture, then accuracy of needle placement is improved, but the narrow field of view makes it difficult to maintain needle positioning within the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second imaging device with a wider field of view to complement the primary ultrasound imaging device. This additional dimensional perspective allows the needle to be visualized throughout its entire path from insertion to target, resolving the limitation of the narrow single-field view while maintaining placement accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple attempts are made to reach the target location without guidance, then the needle may eventually reach the target, but procedural delays and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs real-time imaging feedback from ultrasound devices to continuously monitor needle position and provide visual guidance to the operator. This immediate feedback loop enables accurate first-attempt needle placement by allowing continuous adjustment based on observed needle trajectory, eliminating the need for multiple blind attempts
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasound field of view is kept narrow for detailed visualization, then imaging resolution is improved, but the ability to track needle movement through tissue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple specialized imaging devices: one optimized for high-resolution detailed visualization and another optimized for wide-field needle trajectory tracking. Each device performs its specialized function, and their combined information provides both high resolution and comprehensive tracking capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient needle placement at target locations, reducing procedural delays and patient discomfort by ensuring the needle remains visible throughout the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The release mechanism may comprise a magnetic element which magnetically engages with the intervention device while in use but allows release of the intervention device upon reaching the target location. The magnetic element may assist in orientation of the intervention device.
Implementation Method 2
A wide range of medical procedures may require accurate needle puncture to access various locations within a patient's body for treatment and/or diagnosis. While ultrasound imaging may be utilized to increase accuracy during such needle puncture procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system for guiding an intervention device such as a needle to a target location such as a vessel while remaining within a field of view of an imaging device such as an ultrasound. The guidance system may include an attachment mechanism for removable attachment to a specific ultrasound probe or which is adaptable to multiple different probes. A guidance mechanism may extend outwardly from the attachment mechanism for guiding the angle and depth of the intervention device. The guidance mechanism may include a plurality of openings through which the intervention device may be selectively inserted, with each opening being configured for a different angle and/or depth. Alternatively, the guidance mechanism may include a single opening that is adjustable along an arcuate path. A release mechanism may be included to allow the intervention device to be safely removed from the guidance mechanism without undue movement of the intervention device.